Volume Three Abstracts

Internet Law Symposium

January - April 1996

Boston University School of Law's Center for Law & Technology and the law firm of Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault presented five public symposia on Internet Law in Spring 1996.

Internet Entrepreneurs, New Traffic Patterns and Policy Issues

Abstract

Participants discussed the new commercial possibilities created by the Internet. The
panelists addressed methods of Internet finance such as venture capital, advertising, and
meter-based charges. Small start-up Internet technology firms approach the Internet with a
different business strategy than do larger, more established firms. Panelists discussed
whether the Internet is perceived of as merely another communications medium like the
telephone, or whether it represents a completely new model.

Moderator

Dean Ronald A. Cass, Boston University School of Law

Protecting Software and Information on the Internet

Abstract

As the keynote speaker, Ms. Samuelson presents developments in the last
five years affecting the protection of computer software and the special problems arising
from the Internet. Ms. Samuelson notes the apparent lack of copyright protection for
computer code and look-and-feel. Other panelists discuss the possible protection of
software through private contract, alternative models of intellectual property protection,
and the changing face of copyright law.

Speaker

Professor Pamela Samuelson, University of Pittsburgh School of Law,
Visiting Professor of Law, Cornell School of Law

Panelists

Moderator

Steven M. Bauer, Esq., Partner, Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault

Pornography: Free Speech or Censorship in Cyberspace

Abstract

Michael Godwin opens the session by describing how the new Communication between indecency and obscenity. The
panel elaborates on the restrictions the new Act places on First Amendment freedoms and
the difficulty in advising clients, especially service providers, under the new Act. The
panel compares Internet infrastructure providers to booksellers and cable operators.
Finally, the panel predicts Supreme Court review of the Communications Decency Act will be
forthcoming.

Panelists

Moderator

Professor Frederick M. Lawrence, Boston University School of Law

Financial Services: Security, Privacy and Encryption

Abstract

Technology, including the Internet, is changing the financial services industry. The panel discussed the effects of digital money on the banking industry and the consumer. Encryption and privacy issues are of paramount importance as financial services become increasingly computerized. Specifically, without encryption technologies, electronic financial services will not reach their full market potential.

Panelists

Moderator

Professor Thomas Cashel, Director, Banking Law Center, Boston University School of Law

Lawyer's Online: Discovery, Privilege and the Prudent Practitioner

Abstract

The keynote speaker, John Jessen, shared his experiences counseling clients on electronic discovery matters. The panel discussion examined how technology is changing the discovery process. Specifically, the panel addresses changing technology and the court system, whether the current civil procedure and evidentiary rules are adequate to cope with changing technology, and how electronic discovery is perceived by the business community.